Vote To Thwart Those Who Betray HK, Says John Lee

Top officials fanned out to vote across the territory on Sunday, as the government urged people to support the revamped electoral system designed to ensure only those deemed as patriots can win seats in the next Legislative Council.

Chief Secretary John Lee cast his ballot at a polling station set up at a Yau Ma Tei school.

He told reporters that the new Legco will do its job to monitor the government – but would also work with the administration in a positive manner to solve Hong Kong’s problems.

Lee added that none of the new legislators would “betray” Hong Kong or act as foreign agents.

But he warned that such forces were still active in trying to thwart the 2021 polls.

“So these people who have been excluded under the principles of patriots administering Hong Kong will be trying their best to make today’s election not a success,” he said.

“We have to ensure that they will not succeed, so we will make the election a success. That’s why we need to come out to vote.”

Police chief Raymond Siu said more than 10,000 officers would be deployed to ensure that the polls proceed smoothly.

He also noted that three people have been arrested over the past week on suspicion of inciting others to cast blank ballots or employ violence to disrupt the elections.

He urged people not to test the law.

Other officials urged the public to come out to cast their ballots.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan described Sunday’s vote as an important milestone following the revamp of the electoral system.

He said the 153 candidates running for the 90 seats come from different sectors and are broadly representative, and this would help the government hear more voices and consider more perspectives – thereby helping to improve governance.